In just two short series (first broadcast in the UK on BBC TWO in 2001 and the second in 2002) and two specials (broadcast on BBC ONE in Dec 2003), The Office has become an international phenomenon, with deals by BBC Worldwide in 70 territories around the world, universal rave reviews, and a raft of prestigious comedy awards. BBC Worldwide continues to market the first two series and has recently concluded a range of new deals around the globe for the specials.

So popular was the comedy in the UK that it attracted huge audiences throughout its run, with 6.5 million viewers tuning in to watch the final episode of the specials, beating off the competition with a 30% share of the audience. The DVD release in the UK has generated sales of more than 3 million units to date, eclipsing all other BBC comedies.

The show broke new ground in the US following its hugely successful transmission on BBC America; Ricky Gervais became the first British actor ever to win a TV comedy-acting award at the Golden Globes 2004, and the series itself became the first UK sitcom ever to win the best comedy prize, beating such shows as HBO's Sex in the City and NBC's Will and Grace. In July 2004, the Television Critics Association awarded Ricky Gervais the Individual Achievement in Comedy Award and the DVD sales in the US have topped the 450,000 mark thus far, with the specials launching autumn 2004.

Following its success on BBC America, the show's format has been licensed (by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Marchant) to NBC for a US version that is currently in production. BBC Worldwide, in consultation with the writers, is also exploring opportunities around the world for local versions of the show.

Ricky Gervais' 'David Brent' is now established as one of the truly great creations of comedy - and one familiar to office workers everywhere and in every country. A brilliant and cringe-makingly funny 'mocusoap' set in a paper merchant's office in the heart of middle England. David Brent is a lower-middle-ranking manager in charge of a lower-middle-ranking office. His workplace is the antithesis of TV's glossy law firms full of bright professionals. Instead of mutual respect and intelligent dialogue, the office is a place of backfiring practical jokes, failed flirting and bad showing off.